What is positional sleep apnea, and how can sleeping posture help?

Positional sleep apnea is a type of obstructive sleep apnea that occurs when a person’s breathing stops or becomes shallow during sleep due to their sleeping position. This is most common when someone sleeps on their back, as the tongue and soft tissues can block the airway more easily in this position.

How Sleeping Posture Helps:

1. Side Sleeping: Lying on your side can help keep the airway open and reduce breathing problems. This position prevents the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing into the airway.
2. Avoiding Back Sleeping: Sleeping on the back can make it easier for the airway to become blocked. Using pillows or special devices can help keep someone from rolling onto their back during sleep.
3. Positional Therapy Devices: There are special devices and pillows designed to encourage side sleeping. These can be helpful for people with positional sleep apnea.

By adjusting sleeping positions, many people with positional sleep apnea can experience better sleep and reduced symptoms without the need for more invasive treatments.